Author's Note - I'd love to see a flood of comments on this chapter. Since we're approaching the end of the book, I want to savor every bit of your engagement and interactions!
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इश्क़ में दिल बना है
इश्क़ में दिल फ़ना है हो
मिटा दे या बना दे
मैंने तुझको चुना है हो हो
तेरे सारे रंग ओढ़ के ढंग ओढ़ के
तेरा हुआ मैं सबको छोड़ के हो हो
इश्क़ नी करना नाप तोल के राज़ खोल के
आया हूँ मैं सबको बोल के हो
"That vile man," I muttered under my breath. I knew he could be a handful, but it's like he has zero shame!
Chidchida! Nakhralu! Mendak kahi ka!
"Ruhaan Singh Rajvansh!" I yelled from the washroom as I stood in front of the sink, examining my neck, hands, and waist.
"Boliye," he responded from the other room, sounding perplexed.
"Hum kya bole aapko, aap dekhiye!" I retorted, pointing to the numerous hickeys he'd generously planted around my neck, lower jaw, and collarbone.
"Oh, right," he said nonchalantly, strolling into the washroom with a playful grin. As if it was a normal thing to do, he started peppering kisses on my neck.
I pushed him away, more annoyed than flustered. "What do you think you're doing?" I demanded.
With an innocent expression, he explained, "Well, there was this pattern, see? All hickeys placed except one, so I was completing the pattern." His wide-eyed look was so adorable that it made me want to bang my head against the wall—or maybe, more like, his head against the wall.
"Ruhaan, the top I have doesn't cover my neck, and I didn't bring makeup with me. What am I going to do?" I asked him with a scowl.
He chuckled confused, "Why would you want to cover up this work of art, Meera?"
"Aap apne behen aur mere bhai ko samjhayenge ki mera neck kisi pagal jaanvar ne kaata hai jaise kyu lag raha hai?!" I yelled back at him, my frustration reaching its peak, and I was this close to strangling him.
"Fine, calm down, Meera. I'll get you some makeup. What do you need?" he asked, and I nodded. "Wait, let me search it up," I said, and he gave me a skeptical look.
"What? I don't go around covering hickeys every day, it's new for me!" I replied, slightly annoyed by his judgmental expression.
Soon, he was off to who knows where, and I found myself sitting in my room, reflecting on everything that had transpired in the past few hours.
I wasn't entirely sure why I forgave him so easily. Yet, there was a part of me that simply trusted him. I trusted in the possibility of believing in him once more.
I strolled over to the corner where my luggage lay open and fished out a charming white summer set – a cute top and skirt. I decided it was time for a change.
(Her outfit)
After changing, I left the washroom and found Ruhaan entering the room with a few bags in tow.
"What's all this?" I asked, approaching him with a quizzical expression.
"Your- You look mesmerizing," he stammered, his gaze locked onto mine. I shook my head, feeling my cheeks heat up.
"Uhm-Uhm," he cleared his throat, trying to find his words.
"Your makeup and some clothes for me," he replied, and I nodded in understanding. Oh, right, he didn't bring any luggage; my husband had literally come here straight from the office. Sweet.
"They don't have regular clothes here in Goa," he grumbled, showing me what he'd found. I couldn't help but stifle a snort. He displayed some shorts and a vacation-themed shirt, and I had to admit it was quite amusing.
"It's not that bad, I find it cute," I said, and he nodded. "Yeah, mine is still okay, but the outfit I got for Vivaan, that's highly questionable," he remarked as he handed me a bag. I pulled out the clothes from it and promptly burst into fits of laughter, tumbling to the ground.
"You got him purple shorts and a blue t-shirt with Doraemon on it?" I managed to ask through my giggles.
"That's all they had," he replied, trying to maintain a straight face, but I shook my head in amusement.
"Oh my God, he is going to hate you," I said, just imagining the bulky Viv sporting a Doraemon t-shirt.
Ruhaan leaned in, brushing his fingers over my forehead, and said, "Oh, my love, he already does," before heading into the washroom to change. And I began hiding his bite marks.
A minute or so later, he emerged from the washroom, and he looked entirely transformed, but in a good way. He had this casual vibe, the kind of guy you might spot at the airport, fall in love with, and never see again.
Oh my God, my mendak was that guy.
(Ruhaan's outfit)
"Let's go deliver him his outfit, shall we?" he suggested, taking my hand, and I couldn't help but giggle.
"Mr. Rajvansh, I like this look on you," I said softly, and he responded with a smirk.
"Mrs. Rajvansh, I'm glad you do. This is the last time you see me wearing this shit," he declared.
"Time will tell," I muttered with a playful tone.
We both strolled out of our room, and Ruhaan led the way to Vivaan's room, which was conveniently located right across from Vaahi's.
Ruhaan knocked twice, and Vivaan opened the door, wearing a weary expression. "What?" he snapped, his upper body bare, and only clad in some black work pants.
"Where are your clothes, Viv? Ew," I said, pushing him aside to step into the room.
"Meeri, I'm supposed to be the one yelling at you, not the other way around," Vivaan retorted, following me inside while picking up his black shirt from the room's armchair.
He quickly buttoned up the black shirt and fixed me with a glare.
"Viv, I love you," I said softly, hoping it would melt his stern expression, but he remained unmoved.
"She doesn't," Ruhaan chimed in from behind with a scoff. That obnoxious man, I'll deal with him later.
"Get lost," Viv glared at Ruhaan before turning his attention back to me.
"Meeri, I told you, drinking is a sin. Now you're gonna change into a chihuahua," he scolded, making me scoff. "I'm not eleven anymore," I retorted, giving him a narrow-eyed glare.
"Still so gullible," Ruhaan muttered from his corner.
Patience, Meera. You can plot your husband's murder later. It will be tough to hide the evidence in front of everyone.
"Meeri, you aren't eleven, so act your age," Viv continued.
"Acts like a kid, walks like a kid, cries like a kid," Ruhaan chimed in a sing-song manner.
That was the last straw. He was so dead.
"I WILL KILL YOU, YOU MENDAK!" I shouted, charging toward him with my fist, but suddenly, I found myself hoisted in the air. Viv had picked me up to prevent me from attacking Ruhaan.
"Mein tenu chadanga nahi." I shouted in frustration.
"Wow, she can speak Punjabi too? Impressive," he remarked with a charming smile.
"Let me go, Viv, I'll kill him!" I protested, kicking my legs and flailing my arms. "Calm down, tiger," Viv said, setting me down quietly, and I just glared at Ruhaan, who wore an amused expression.
That infuriating man.
"Meeri, promise me this won't happen again. You'll be more careful," Vivaan said, his eyes fixed on me.
"I promise, Viv. Never again," I assured him. He nodded, a small smile forming on his lips, and he patted my head, just like he always did.
"I'll go check on Vaahi," I said, and both the men nodded.
Knocking on the door twice, I heard a clattering sound as something fell, and then Vaahi opened the door, limping. "Hey, what's wrong?" I asked with concern.
"I tripped," she said, tears welling up in her eyes. "Aw, baby, it's okay, come on," I reassured her, guiding her to sit on the bed.
"Meeri, your husband got me purple—" I heard Vivaan's voice as he entered the room, but he stopped when he saw Vaahi's condition. "What happened?" he asked, his concern evident as he looked at Vaahi.
"She tripped," I explained, carefully examining her leg and hands.
"Show me where it hurts," I said softly, and she indicated her ankle.
"Okay, now I need you to let me touch and move it, okay? It might hurt a bit, but it'll be fine."
As I knelt down to examine Vaahi's ankle, her face contorted with discomfort. I carefully cradled her ankle in my hands, gently probing for any signs of injury.
She flinched slightly as I gently touched the affected area, causing her to grip the bed sheets tightly. In response to her pain, Vivaan instinctively extended his hand towards her, offering a source of comfort and support.
My eyes widened in surprise when I observed Vivaan being so supportive. It was quite unusual for him to display his emotions so openly.
I couldn't help but wonder if the doctor within him was involuntarily triggered, making him provide support. Maybe he, too, was experiencing the same surge of doctorly instincts that I often felt.
Either way, I was glad for his support and secretly cherished this rare glimpse of his softer side.
With great care, I continued to assess Vaahi's ankle, speaking softly to reassure her. "It's going to be okay, Vaahi." I carefully manipulated her ankle, trying to ascertain the extent of the injury and gently realigning it.
Vaahi squeezed Vivaan's hand a bit harder as the pain increased for a moment, and he didn't shy away from it. Instead, he offered a small, comforting nod to her, silently conveying his support.
Finally, I wrapped a bandage around her ankle and secured it with a gentle touch. "There, it's all done," I said, my voice soft and comforting.
Vivaan, hearing my voice, abruptly withdrew his hand from Vaahi's grasp. Vaahi, lost in her own world for a moment, nodded in gratitude. "Thanks, Bhabhi-sa."
Then Vivaan, still wearing a scowl, said, "Um, Meeri, your husband got me purple shorts and a Doraemon T-shirt." I noticed Vaahi giggling in the corner, thoroughly entertained by the situation. "What's so funny, Ms. Princess?" Vivaan asked her, casting a mock glare.
"I'm sorry, but a Doraemon T-shirt?" Vaahi said, her cute smile making me melt. She truly was the sweetest.
"I'm aware," I told Vivaan, who looked at me with a sense of betrayal. "You can either wear that, or you can stay in those dingy clothes," I said, my annoyance evident. He huffed and left the room, seemingly unimpressed with his fashion options.
"Vaahi, bacha, I'll fetch you some clothes from your luggage, but I think you should be able to walk comfortably now," I suggested. She nodded and made an attempt to stand up, and this time, she succeeded.
She took a few cautious steps, testing her ankle, "I can walk!"
"Yes, you can," I assured her with a chuckle. I left out a dress for Vaahi to change into and exited her room, only to find Ruhaan waiting for me.
"Meera, let's go for a walk, or maybe take a nap?" he suggested.
"Oh, really? Go to hell, Ruhaan. Oh, and I'll ask Ashmi to join you there. Both of you can take countless walks, after all, I'm just a child," I replied sarcastically, and he furrowed his brow.
"Biwi, I was joking. I love you," he said, making me shake my head in exasperation.
"Meera... Keera..." he began, but I swiftly cut him off. "Stop it!" I said, pressing my lips against his to silence him. He pulled me closer, encircling his arm around my waist and deepening the kiss.
"Ew, leave my sister, you asshole!" Vivaan exclaimed, making a grossed-out face. Both Ruhaan and I rolled our eyes at his dramatic reaction. Vivaan was clad in the purple shorts but had decided to forgo the Doraemon T-shirt, sticking with his trusty black shirt instead.
"Let's have breakfast and head back to Mumbai," Ruhaan suggested, and everyone nodded in agreement, including Vaahi, who had just joined us after changing.
Ruhaan noticed Vaahi's leg and asked, worried, "What happened to your leg?"
"I tripped," Vaahi exclaimed, but Ruhaan shook his head.
"But I can almost walk," she insisted, giving a thumbs-up that went ignored by him. He walked closer to her and scooped her up in a bridal style. "Let's go," he said, and we all followed them out of the lobby.
"Bhai-sa, I can walk," Vaahi protested, but I shushed her. "Don't stress your ankle too much, and let him use those biceps from all the gym workouts."
-- <3 --
We wrapped up breakfast quickly, and before long, we found ourselves boarding the jet for our return journey to Mumbai. Our plan was to visit Vivaan's mom the next day and then depart for Udaipur in the evening, at least according to the current schedule.
As soon as I stepped onto the jet, I made a beeline for my favorite seat, the one next to the window. Ruhaan was about to take the seat beside me, but Vivaan managed to get there first and plopped down next to me.
"Get up," Ruhaan said curtly, his patience wearing thin.
Vivaan, unfazed by Ruhaan's stern tone, shot back with a triumphant smirk, "You snooze, you lose."
Ruhaan's competitive spirit was ignited, and he leaned even closer to Vivaan, their faces almost touching now. "I'm not playing games, Vivaan. Move."
Vivaan met Ruhaan's intensity with a defiant grin. "Well, Ruhaan, if you wanted this seat, you should have been faster."
"I want both of you to move! Vaahi will be sitting next to me," I declared, growing annoyed with the ongoing showdown between these two.
"Yesss!"
"Nooo!"
The protestations came from all sides, and I sighed in exasperation.
Vaahi, however, hopped cutely over to me, giving me a hug and making me chuckle.
"Viv, get up and get lost," I told him, and he nodded with an emotionless expression. Ruhaan looked at me with a barely visible pout, but I shook my head, making him whine as he moved to a seat on the other side.
"Bhabhi-sa, I was going to post these..." Vaahi showed me some pictures. We spent the entire short flight deciding on which ones we liked and which ones we thought got ruined. Fortunately, Ashrut had taken some pictures for us too, and most of them turned out amazingly well.
I glanced up to see Vivaan and Ruhaan engaged in a seemingly intense conversation with Ashrut. I couldn't help but feel a tinge of concern for Ashrut, hoping that he would navigate this flight with them in one piece.
(Vaahi's story)
Soon enough, we landed at the airport and made our way to Singhania Villa.
"Okay, why didn't you inform this poor boy that you were going to Goa?" Mumma asked, the very first thing as we entered the villa.
"Mumma, actually—" I began to explain, but Ruhaan cut me off, "Maa, mujhe kyun batayegi? Mein toh kachra hoon iske liye," he said, earning Mumma's sympathy.
Papa chimed in with a grin, "At least he's self-aware."
His support always made me laugh, and I appreciated his sense of humor.
"Ansh, not a word against my son," Mumma stated firmly, earning a smile from Ruhaan.
"Uh, son-in-law, Sunshine," Papa corrected her playfully, causing Ruhaan to roll his eyes.
Mumma then addressed us, "All of you go and change. By the way, Ruhaan, stay back. I want to talk to you." I looked at Ruhaan who seemed like he was expecting this.
We all nodded and dispersed from the living room, leaving Ruhaan behind with Mumma and Papa. I couldn't help but wonder what that conversation was about.
Vivaan had already gone to his house right after we landed.
Entering my room, I found Vaahi sitting there with a thoughtful expression. "Kya hua?" I asked her softly.
"Bhabhi, are you sure I should go to Vivaan Ji's house? I mean, won't it be random and weird? We don't know each other, anyways," she voiced her uncertainty.
"You are my sister, and that's a good enough reason for you to visit my second parents," I assured her with a smile, hoping to alleviate her concerns. She nodded, still unsure.
"Now, go and freshen up, we will leave in a little while," I told her, and she complied, heading to the washroom. Meanwhile, I opened the room's drawer and took out a platinum bracelet I had bought for Sudha aunty. She always loved wearing those thin bracelets on her wrist.
Placing it in my purse, I exited the room to find Ruhaan still engrossed in a serious conversation with my parents. I couldn't help but wonder what they were discussing.
"Hey," I greeted them, capturing their attention. "We should leave for the Malhotra house. It's already 7," I informed them. Ruhaan nodded in agreement.
"You guys go. Beta, we have to attend a business dinner," Mumma explained, and I nodded in understanding. Vaahi emerged from the washroom, looking fresh and rejuvenated.
The three of us left the Singhania villa, leaving behind my parents engrossed in their business dinner preparations. We strolled through the neighborhood, making our way to the Malhotra house.
They lived just a short five-minute drive from our place. You can only imagine how much fun my childhood was, knowing that my best friend was practically down the road.
We soon arrived at the Malhotra house, my second home here in Mumbai. Bursting with happiness, I clung to both their hands and rang the doorbell three times.
In an instant, Saksham Uncle swung the door wide open, wearing a massive grin. "Hellooo!" I exclaimed as I leaped into his arms for a bear hug. "There she is, Meeri has arrived," he said with gentle eyes, gazing at me.
"But wait, you have to meet my husband first," I teased, and he raised an eyebrow at me, his eyes full of charm. "You're making me feel ancient all of a sudden, bringing in husbands and all," he said with a playful shake of his head.
Ruhaan greeted politely, "Hello, sir," but before he knew it, Uncle pulled him into a warm hug. "Sir and all won't fly; you're family now," he declared with a warm smile, and Ruhaan nodded in agreement.
"And this is my sister-in-law, Vaahi," I introduced, and Uncle smiled warmly at her. "Another angel has graced our house," he said, gently brushing her cheek, causing Vaahi's cheeks to turn a deep shade of red. Uncle sure had a way with charm; he was the real deal.
"Come on in, you guys," Uncle said, stepping aside to let us enter. We all made our way inside, and I couldn't help but smile when I saw Sudha aunty seated on the sofa. I hurried over to her with a big grin, doing my best to keep my tears at bay as I took in her condition.
Her pale face was a stark indication of how unwell she was. Her skin lacked the usual radiance I associated with her, and her eyes had prominent bags underneath. She looked frail, incredibly frail.
No, Meera, you won't cry. It'll only make her feel worse about herself. Nope, not gonna happen.
Summoning all the strength within me to hold back the tears, I sat down beside her and took her hand in mine. "Sudha Aunty," I said softly, "How's my gudiya doing today?"
Sudha Aunty managed a weak smile, her eyes brightening at the familiar endearment. "Oh, Meeri, my Gudiya," she whispered, her voice filled with affection, "I've been eagerly waiting for your visit." (Doll)
I could see a glimmer of happiness in her eyes, and it made my heart swell with love. Our nickname for each other, "Gudiya," had been a special bond between us for as long as I could remember.
The very first time I visited Viv's house, Aunty greeted me with 'Gudiya.' I playfully insisted that if she called me "Gudiya," then I should call her one too because she's so darn pretty. To my delight, she agreed.
"Hey, I had to come! How else would I show off my husband?" I said with a grin, and she nodded with a warm smile of her own. "Gudiya, meet Ruhaan. Ruhaan, this is Gudiya, or Sudha Aunty, Vivaan's mom," I said, brimming with happiness.
"Hello, Aunty. How have you been?" Ruhaan said, kneeling down in front of Aunty.
"All good, beta. Sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding; I was in Germany for some treatment," she explained, and Ruhaan nodded sympathetically. "Oh, and also, meet Vaahi; she's my sister-in-law," I added with a smile as I introduced Vaahi to her.
"Come here, beta," Aunty called out to Vaahi, and Vaahi nodded with a smile, walking closer to her.
With gentle hands, Aunty cupped Vaahi's cheeks and smiled. "You are enchanting," she whispered, and Vaahi beamed with a genuine smile, "Not more than you. Your eyes, they are beautiful. Blue," Vaahi commented, making Aunty smile even wider.
"Thank you," she said with a smile, and the room was filled with warmth and happiness.
"Vivaan!" Uncle called out, and Viv appeared, descending the stairs, thankfully not in those hideous purple shorts but sporting grey sweatpants and a black crew neck shirt.
"Hey, guys," he greeted as he saw us and then made his way over to Sudha aunty. "You can chat all you want, but first, Mom, you've got to take these medicines," he said, handing her a few tablets and a glass of water.
"Oh, how could I forget these icky medicines, Gudiya, save me," Aunty said, turning to me.
"Nope. Take them right now," I insisted, making her playfully whine.
"Both my kids are just the same; no one loves me, Saksham," she complained, but Uncle simply ignored her.
"Chup chap," Vivaan said with a playful glare, and she nodded meekly, taking the medicines and downing them with a gulp.
"Let's all move to the dining table," Uncle suggested, and we followed, getting settled there. I took a seat next to Aunty, reached into my purse, and took out the bracelet, gently placing it on her wrist. She looked at it with surprise and then back at me with a warm smile.
"You never forget, do you?" She asked, a small smile on her face, and I shook my head with a grin.
"Meera, beta, I missed you so much, and I need you to do something for me," she whispered in my ear.
"Sure, go on," I said, giving her my full attention.
"You know I'm not here for long," she said with a hint of sadness in her smile.
"Shh, don't say that," I replied, taken aback by her statement.
"It's true, Gudiya. I can't bear to see Vivaan all alone. I know that after I'm gone, Saksham plans to live in the farmhouse by himself," she explained, and I nodded in understanding.
"Vivaan would fall apart, Meera. You know that too. I'm trying to convince him to marry a kind and understanding girl, and all I need is for you to help find one," she said, looking at me with determination.
"But, Aunty..."
"No, Meera. This is important. I have only a year or so left," she emphasized. "I'll try, Aunty, but I can't promise anything, alright?" I replied softly. She nodded, her face lighting up with hope in her eyes, a hope I couldn't let fade away.
I know a girl, Dr. Saira. She works at the same hospital as me in Udaipur. Maybe her?
Maybe not? What exactly are you asking me to do, Aunty? Ab mein kya karu?
I glanced up to see Ruhaan, who was sitting across from me, already looking at me with concern. He seemed to have picked up on the fact that I was on the brink of a panic attack.
The next thing I knew, he stood up to quietly hand me a glass of water and gave me a reassuring blink. "It's fine, Meera," I reassured myself silently, taking a sip of water.
I then joined in the conversation Vaahi and Saksham Uncle were having, focusing on their discussion to calm my nerves.
A/N
So much is going on in this chapter!
I put the spotlight on Vaahi and Vivaan to lay the foundation for the third book in the series. Some cheers for that!
Favorite moment?